Who We Are

Future “Icebreaking”

Following a meeting between Premier Wen Jinbao, and Club Chairman Stephen Perry, they agreed that they should unite in developing better relations between the young people of both countries. More recently in Beijing, Gordon Brown and Wen Jiabao agreed that both countries should do more to establish communications and exchange between their young people. The result is the “Young Icebreakers” — the next generation of pioneers.

Message for “Young Icebreakers”

The formation of the “Young Icebreakers” is a natural progression. It creates a long-term future for developing positive relations with China, promoted by the young people of both countries. Premier Wen Jiabao told me that the “future depends on young people”, and I strongly agree! Given the tremendous changes in our world it is crucial to let our students and young professionals of British, Chinese, and all nationalities to get working together in the UK to understand each other. Furthermore, to then work in China to develop positive understanding of the UK. The rewards from such exchanges will be inestimable — both personally and for our countries. So, I very much hope to welcome you as a “young Icebreaker”.

Stephen Perry

Chairman, 48 Group Club “The Icebreakers”

Icebreakers today

The Young Icebreakers is a body of the 48 Group Club which works to advance the Club.s aim of promoting positive trade and other relations between the United Kingdom and the People.s Republic of China in the spirit of our founders, the original icebreakers, among young entrepreneurs, academics and other interested individuals. 

To this end, they will develop a programme of work aimed at forging closer links between the young people of our two countries in business, scholarly and various social circles. 

They will also promote greater understanding among young people in the UK of all aspects of China.s development as well as its history, culture, science and civilisation. 

The Young Icebreakers will issue publications, organise educational, social, sports and cultural events, and foster youth exchanges and joint programmes with Chinese counterparts. 

They will elect their own Committee to plan and implement their programme of work, but will report to and be guided by the Executive Committee of the Club, on which they will have representation. 

There shall be no formal age limit but the initiative is designed to appeal mostly to people in their 20s and 30s. It is anticipated that the majority of members will be in business, the professions or studying at postgraduate level or above. However, it will not exclude any person sincerely committed to our core values. 

The Young Icebreakers will seek to establish relations and to work closely in joint endeavours with appropriate bodies in China, including the All-China Youth Federation, Communist Youth League, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. 

The essential aim will be to promote knowledge and contacts regarding our respective countries and peoples, to develop friendship and joint programmes aimed at enhancing understanding and tackling global challenges together. 

The Young Icebreakers will also seek to work harmoniously and develop joint activities and cooperation with all youth and other organisations in the UK and elsewhere with similar or complementary aims. 

The Young Icebreakers welcome the agreement between Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Premier Wen Jiabao to develop active youth exchanges between our two countries and seeks to promote that objective. 

It is now 55 years since the original Icebreaker Mission. The formation of the Young Icebreakers serves to act as a guarantor that this work will continue and grow stronger in the new millennium.